srila prabhupada said...!!!
chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)
After Srila Prabhupada's departure to Australia, the devotees stayed on Kamaladevi's land in Kuala Lumpur for some time. Inspired by Prabhupada's visit they continued their preaching. After a while they again travelled north to Penang, stopping in every possible town and village. They were well received wherever they went. Nightly they would hold programmes on the estate plantations, where mostly Indians lived. Sometimes the residents of a neighbouring estate would block the road in front of the devotees, insisting that they come to their estate.
Amogha: "The crowd was usually between 50 and 300. They all spoke Tamil. They received us enthusiastically and we would go to their stage. They would sit on seats-an outdoor auditorium under a roof. Sometimes we would sit in their temple. We would have kirtana, give a talk and then distribute the English Back To Godhead magazine for one or two ringgit. We did more or less the same programme in Kuala Lumpur and wherever else we went. Sometimes we'd put on a drama or show slides. The people for the most part couldn't read English but the magazine was all we had. Sometimes they bought them and came back saying they couldn't read it, but most of them kept them anyway because they liked them."
The devotees would regularly write to Srila Prabhupada and Prabhupada would quickly reply, guiding them and encouraging them to preach.
London 15th August, 1971
TO ISKCON MALAYSIA:
My Dear Hanuman, Neo, etc.
Please accept my blessings. I beg to thank you very much for your kind feelings of appreciation of my humble service unto you. You are all helping me in pushing forward this mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, coming down by disciplic succession to my Guru Maharaja. So whatever you have spoken, it is simply due to them. I am simply the via media to receive them, on behalf of my Guru Maharaja, His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja Prabhupada.
Hoping this will meet you in good health.
Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
In Kuala Lumpur the prospects for the land donation seemed less likely. Srila Prabhupada wrote again to the devotees:
Tridandi Goswami
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
CAMP: ISKCON; 7, Bury Place; London, W.C. 1; ENGLAND
22nd August, 1971
My Dear Amogha, Hanuman, etc.
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your telegram telling of $50.00 donation sent to L.A. But that sum has now been sent to London instead and I have duly received it here. Thank you very much for the same.
I understand from Bali Mardan that there in Kuala Lumpur Kamal Devi is making so many demands and is not willing to construct the temple there according to our standard. So if the situation is not good there then you can have a touring program of preaching and distributing our literatures. That will be very nice. Of course in the big cities a big temple is required but if that is not possible then continue with your preaching program with full enthusiasm and determination.
Hoping this will meet you all in good health.
Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
c/o Makhanlal
31 Jalan Tuanka Abdul Rahman
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
After one estate programme near Penang, Mr. Arumugam Pillai's secretary approached the devotees and handed them a cheque for $1000 on behalf of Mr Pillai, Mr Pillai was a very wealthy land owner. He intended that the devotees should give out free magazines to all the workers on the estate, but the devotees misunderstood and continued to sell them. The devotees wrote to Srila Prabhupada about their preaching successes. Srila Prabhupada replied:
Center: 7, Bury Place
London, W.C.1; ENGLAND
25th August, 1971
My Dear Amogha and Hanuman,
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letters dated 20th August, 1971 and have noted the contents. I am so glad to hear now nicely you’re travelling and preaching program is going on so you continue with it as far as possible in that area. This touring program will create an atmosphere of Krishna Consciousness everywhere, so go on. And introduce these classes wherever possible. The response is so good. I am also glad to note that you have received $1000.00 for magazines. If you want you can keep it for your touring program expenses but if possible you can send it to Karandhara in L.A. or to me for Dai Nippon. We just paid them $20,000. for back BTG debts and we still owe them $27,000. more. So if you can send it for that purpose it will be nice unless you require it for your travelling expenses.
Yes, even the Buddhists will come forward gradually and inquire into this Krishna Consciousness. Everyone is sophisticated by their so called religion but chanting Hare Krishna Mantra will attract everyone all over the world.
The temple plan enclosed is approved by me, but we must have full control over the temple, otherwise we are not going to take charge. We cannot make any compromise on this point. Unless we have full charge we are not interested. It must be a branch of our ISKCON and run by us. We cannot take responsibility if others are controlling the temple, otherwise we are not going to take charge. That is not possible. We have got our own principles and they must be followed as they are in all our branches all over the world. We cannot make any change in Kuala Lumpur.
You can tell Kamala Devi that in the first week of October I will be in Madras because we are arranging to hold a Hare Krishna festival there in a pandal at least for ten days and maybe we will open one center there. From Madras I shall go to Calcutta.
Upon your recommendation I have gladly accepted Neo Che Wee as my duly initiated disciple and his letter and beads are enclosed herewith.
Hoping this will meet you in good health.
Your ever well, wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
ACBS/adb/ c/o B.S. Lalia; 50 Thomas Road; Penang; Malaysia.
In Ipoh, Taiping and Penang they made a significant impression and even to this day many people remember the sweet kirtanas of Amogha, the bold and enthusiastic Hanuman and the hard working Gopala.
By September 1971 the possible land offer had all but fallen through. Bali Mardan had gone back to Australia. Hanuman left shortly after for India and South America and Amogha took the opportunity to go to Indonesia to preach. Gopala and Lalita Krsna (Bhakta Neo) remained in Malaysia for some time, and then Lalita returned to Singapore before flying to India. Gopala alone travelled and preached for several months especially in Ipoh and Penang, where he conducted youth programmes. After a few months Gopala was called to Hong Kong. No-one remained in Malaysia to continue the mission. Or did they. Srila Prabhupada said that even if all his disciples were to leave, the movement would still go on. How? Srila Prabhupada would continue to preach through his books, and thousands had been distributed in Malaysia. The seeds were sown. Prabhupada had touched the soil and left his mark-Krsna's mark. Indelible!
Hare Krishna monks give talk to students
Penang, Wed.-Four monks of the Hare Krishna movement gave an interesting talk on their religion to over 100 undergrads of the Penang University on Monday night.
The lecture was organised by the new Indian Cultural Society of the University with an aim to create a better understanding of the various cultures.
Slides were also shown to the audience. The monks, giving a demonstration of their way of prayers, were joined by the undergrads.
Rev. Bali Mardan Brahmachari, the leader of the group, said that the conscience of man was originally untarnished until it came into contact with the materialistic world.
"The material condition of spiritual happiness instead of indulgence in materialism.
Over the years that followed intermittent visits were made to Malaysia by different devotees. In Butterworth and Singapore several local Indians had become serious just by reading Prabhupada's books, even without a temple. Some had even received initiation by mail from Prabhupada. Another Vidyapati had been initiated in Melbourne while he was studying there. (His letters are in the appendix at the back of this book.) But it was not until 1979 that the movement was solidly established. Since then the seeds have continued to grow, themselves forming trees which have also born forth fruits. And so the mission of the Lord expands. As Lord Caitanya stated 500 years ago (Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila: 17:203):
prthivite ache yata nagaradi-grama
sarvatra pracara haibe mora nama
"In as many towns and villages as there are on the surface of the earth, My Holy Name will be preached."
patrapatra-vicara nahi, nahi sthanasthana
yei yanha paya, tanha kare prema-dana
In distributing love of Godhead, Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates did not consider who was a fit candidate and who was not, nor where such distribution should or should not take place. They made no conditions. Whenever they got the opportunity the members of the Panca-tattva distributed love of Godhead.
(Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila: 7:23)
saj-jana, durjana, pangu, jada, andha-gana
prema-vanyaya dubaila jagatera jana
The Krsna consciousness movement willl inundate the entire world and drown everyone, whether one be a gentleman, a rogue or even a lame, invalid or blind.
(Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila: 7:26)
ataeva saba phala deha' yare tare
khaiya ha-uk loka ajara amare
"Distribute this Krsna consciousness movement all over the world. Let people eat these fruits and ultimately become free from old age and death."
(Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila: 9:39)
etavaj janma-saphalyam dehinam iha dehisu
pranair arthair dhiya vaca sreya-acaranam sada
"It is the duty of every living being to perform welfare activities for the benefit of others with his life, wealth, intelligence and words."
(Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila: 9:42)
No-one can stop the will of the Lord. We can be but a part in fulfilling it. Beyond doubt nobody has played a greater part in this age than Srila Prabhupada.
Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-Prabhupada in Malaysia-'The Seeds Were Sown'-Janananda dasa
chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)
Teachings Of Queen Kunti: 15
Srila Prabhupada said:
The appearance of Lord Krsna is compared to the growth of sandalwood trees in the Malaya Hills (malayasyeva candanam). There are two Malayas-the Malaya Hills and the part of the world now known as Malaysia. The candana tree, or sandalwood tree, can grow anywhere-there is no rule that it has to grow in Malaysia or the Malaya Hills-but because this sandalwood grows in large quantities in those parts of the world, it is known as malaya-candana. In the Western countries there is scented water known as eau de cologne. It can be manufactured anywhere, but because it was originally manufactured in the city of Cologne, it is known as eau de cologne. Similarly, sandalwood can grow anywhere, but because it was originally very prominent in Malaysia and the Malaya Hills, it is known as Malayan sandalwood. Kunti offered this prayer five thousand years ago, and this indicates that sandalwood was growing five thousand years ago in Malaysia. Malaysia is not a new name; it was known thousands and thousands of years ago to the followers of the Vedic culture. Nowadays, of course, Malaysia is growing rubber trees because there is a good demand for rubber, but formerly Malaysia grew sandalwood on a large scale because there was a great demand for sandalwood, especially in India.
Lecture on September 28th 972 in Los Angeles
Srimad-Bhagavatam: 1:3:23
Srila Prabhupada said:
Krsna's another name is Varsneya because He appeared in the Vrsni family. Just like sandalwood. Sandalwood is known as Malayan sandalwood. Malaya. There is a country, you know. East Asia, Malaysia. Now it called Malaysia. So formerly they were growing sandalwood in large quantity. Now they are growing rubber, no more sandalwood. They are not interested with the sandalwood. They are now interested in rubber wood. Because you have got motorcars, you require motor tyres. So formerly these Malaysian sandalwood was very famous. So sandalwood can grow anywhere, but because in Malaysia sandalwood was very largely growing, therefore sandalwood was generally known as malayaja-candana. Malayaja, in Sanskrit. "The sandalwood of Malaysia."
Purport to Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila: 4:106
Srila Prabhupada said:
The Deity of Gopala had been buried within the jungle for many years, and although He was installed and was offered thousands of pots of water, He still felt very hot. He therefore asked Madhavendra Puri to bring sandalwood from the Malaya province. Sandalwood produced in Malaya is very popular. That province is situated on the western ghata, and the hill Nilagiri is sometimes known as Malaya Hill. The word malayaja is used to indicate the sandalwood produced in the Malaya Province. Sometimes the word Malaya refers to the modern country of Malaysia. Formerly this country also produced sandalwood, but now they have found it profitable to produce rubber trees. Although the Vedic culture was once prevalent in Malaysia, now all the inhabitants are Mohammedans. The Vedic culture is now lost in Malaysia, Java and Indonesia.
Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-Prabhupada in Malaysia- Excerpts From Srila Prabhupada's Books, Lectures And Conversations-Janananda dasa
chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)
Lecture on April 24th 1973 in Los Angeles
Srimad-Bhagavatam: 1:8:32
Srila Prabhupada said:
Krsna comes to become the son of Devaki to glorify Devaki. Krsna becomes the son of Yasoda to glorify His devotee, Yasoda. Similarly Krsna appeared in the dynasty of Maharaja Yadu just to glorify. He was a great devotee of Krsna, and He is born in the family of Maharaja Yadu. The whole family is celebrated still: Yadavah. Krsna's name is Yadava, because He took His birth in the Yadu family. So how is it that, that Krsna took...? Now to glorify the family. Exactly, the example is given: Just like malaysyeva candanam. Candana. This is a tree. A tree can grow anywhere, but the sandalwood tree, because it is very prominent in the Malaysia country, formerly they were growing this candana tree, as I told you, because there was good demand, in India especially, of sandalwood. So they, nowadays they are growing rubber tree because there is good demand for rubber.
So... So even after business... Kunti is giving this very nice example. This candana tree, it is a particular type of tree. It can grow anywhere. Not necessarily that it has to grow in Malaysia, or Malaya Hill. There is no such rules and regulations. It can grow anywhere. But because this sandalwood is grown in large quantity in such part of the world, the sandalwood is known as malaya-candana. Malaya-candana.
Just like in, in your Western countries, the scented water: eau de cologne. Eau de cologne. Cologne is a country in France...? And there it is manufactured. Therefore it is called eau de cologne. Similarly eau de cologne can be manufactured anywhere, but originally because it was manufactured in that Cologne city, it is known as eau de cologne. Similarly sandalwood also can grow anywhere but because originally it was very prominent in the Malayas... Now 5,000 years ago, Kunti is offering this prayer. That means before 5,000 years, the sandalwood was growing in the Malaysia. So this Malaysia is not a new name. It was known thousands and thousands of years ago. And... all these places, they were Vedic culture.
Lecture on October 12th 1974 in Mayapur, India
Srimad-Bhagavatam: 1:8:32.
Srila Prabhupada said:
Krsna everywhere. That is explained here, yadoh priyasya anvavaye. He can appear... How it is? Malasyeva candanam. The sandalwood is famous as produced in Malaysia, or Malaya. I think formerly they used to grow sandalwood in Malaysia. What...? What is that capital?
Devotee: Kuala Lumpur.
Prabhupada: Kuala Lumpur. Yes. We had been in Kuala Lumpur. Now, instead of sandalwood, they are growing rubber, rubberwood. Yes. So formerly malaya candana, Malaya's, (sic:) Malayanian candana, sandalwood was very famous. Still it is famous. So this candana tree can grow anywhere, but it is famous as malayan candana. Similarly, Krsna can appear from anywhere. He is independent.
Melbourne April 7th 1972. Room Conversation
Upendra: These two boys, they are coming all the time and chanting, these two boys.
Srila Prabhupada said: Yes, I have seen these boys. You are from China?
Malaysian Boy: No, Malaysia.
Srila Prabhupada said: Malaysian. Oh. Malaysians, they are originally from China.
Malaysian Boy: Yes. There's one Lalita-Krsna.
Srila Prabhupada said: Lalita-Krsna. Yes.
Upendra: He went to Malaysia. He is going to university here, and he went back home, looking all over for the devotees, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, couldn't find them. He was looking all over for them. Then he came back here for study.
Srila Prabhupada said: They do not issue the visa. The difficulty is. What can be done? Now you... Lalita-Krsna, his name is Lalita-Krsna? He is now initiated. He is pukka devotee. He is chanting, dancing, like anything, in ecstasy. He is a very good boy. Where he is now?
Syamasundara: Juhu.
Srila Prabhupada said: Bombay. Oh, he is very intelligent. So if some of you become devotees, then you can start this movement there in Malaysia. It is a very nice movement. It is the movement for the present day, for human peace and love. So if... Every one of you should study the philosophy, try to understand it and spread it. That is good for you and good for others.
Letter to Giriraja July 13th 1972
Srila Prabhupada said:
So far Lalita Krsna is concerned, I have received one letter from Purusottama das Brahmacari requesting to travel to Malaysia with Lalita Krsna for opening some centres there. So best thing is to open centres in Malaysia and Singapore, recruit many Chinese-speaking devotees, translate our books into Malaysian and Singapore language, then with a party go to China later on.
chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)
A Malaysian devotee initiated in Melbourne in 1973
Nayapalli
Bhuvanesvara, Orissa
27th January, 1977
Srila Prabhupada said:
Dear Vidyapati,
Please accept my blessings. I have received your letter dated January 12th, and have studied the contents.
I am very pleased with your activities there and advise you to go on with kirtana. You say there is a small community there taking part in kirtana and prasadam distribution, so try to increase it as far as possible, according to time and place in the situation you find in Singapore.
You lament that you are not qualified to present Krsna Consciousness properly, but this is the qualification: hold kirtanas with your friends, read passages from my books, distribute prasadam and try to get more people to read the books. That you are already doing. You don't need to establish a temple, but gradually get funds and organize. Hope this meets you in good health.
Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
ACBS/sdg
Sriman Vidyapati das
17 Gardiner Road
Adelphi Park, Singapore 20
Bhaktivedanta Manor
30th August, 1973
To Melbourne
Srila Prabhupada said:
My Dear Hon Pei Das,
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 15th August, 1973, and I have noted the contents carefully.
There is no question of giving anything up in Krsna consciousness. That is the sum and substance of the Bhagavad Gita. Arjuna also thought like that "I shall not fight and fell silent" but Krsna did not approve of this sentimental attitude of the Great Arjuna. The whole Bhagavad Gita was spoken to Arjuna simply to convince him that he should work for the satisfaction of Krsna. Therefore Krsna plainly says, "Whatever you do as work, whatever you eat, or give away in charity, do it for Me." This is real Krsna consciousness, to work for the satisfaction of Krsna. So you have good opportunity to serve Krsna by your nice education, go on finish up in the university and simultaneously follow the regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds, and associate with the devotees as much as possible. Your talents can be utilized for Krsna and in due course of time how this is so Krsna will reveal to you more and more. So do not be worried, be jolly in the service of the Lord.
I hope this letter meets you well.
Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Los Angeles
10th May, 1973
Srila Prabhupada said:
My Dear Ho Hon Pei,
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated May 3rd 1973 and have noted the contents.
Thank you very much for your kind appreciation of our Krsna Consciousness Movement. You are having some doubts whether or not the mass of people will be able to appreciate Krsna Consciousness. Yes, it is a fact that most people cannot approach Krsna Consciousness. Just like a rare gem. Only a few men can purchase a rare emerald or diamond so similarly only a few men may actually be capable of grasping the importance of Krsna Consciousness. It is confirmed in the Bhagavad Gita : 7:3.
manusyanam sahasresu
kascid yatati siddhaye
yatatam api siddhanam
kascin mam vetti tattvatah
"Out of many thousands of men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth."
If just .01% of the world's population becomes Krsna Conscious, the whole situation on the earth will change. Just see what has happened. I started alone in 1966 and in just seven years now we are three thousand, and it is growing more and more.
So if the intelligent men of the world like yourself cooperate with this all-important mission of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, we can save the world from the state of misery and chaos that now prevails.
Hoping this meets you in good health.
Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
• Amogha is a dedicated devotee staying in Australia. Besides preaching and regular service he has produced several excellent audio-visual shows on Krsna consciousness.
• Bali Mardan has been staying in New York and keeping regular contact with the temple as well as maintaining his own Krsna conscious programme at home.
• Hanuman is staying near the ISKCON temple in Vancouver.
• Gopala has just recently left his job in Japan and dedicated his life to full-time devotional service in India.
• Lalita Krsna (Bhakta Neo) is in Dallas where he keeps contact with devotees. His brother also became a devotee.
Srila Prabhupada is with Krsna in the spiritual sky and simultaneously present here wherever his books, temples, and followers are found.
Srila Prabhupada KI JAYA
Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-Prabhupada in Malaysia-Letters From Srila Prabhupada To Vidyapati das-Where Are They Now?-Janananda dasa
chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)
In order to understand the evolution of ISKCON and the lila (pastimes) of its founder, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, one should first consult the Vedic literature or sastra. One must realise that a bona fide spiritual master is not an ordinary man. Just as an ambassador is an authorised representative of his country, similarly, a spiritual master, who comes in the disciplic succession, parampara, is an empowered representative of God.
Such an empowered spiritual master appears in order to re-establish the eternal principles of religion, sanatana-dharma, and to give shelter and knowledge to the conditioned souls so that they may return to their place of origin, the spiritual world.
Lord Krsna appeared in this world as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. In this very rare incarnation He acts as Lord Krsna's devotee. His advent in Mayapura, India, was at the time of a lunar eclipse on the Phalguni purnima evening, 1407 Sakabda, which corresponds to 18th February 1486 in the Western calendar. His appearance was most auspicious. On the evidence of Vedic sastra, He is revealed not only as God Himself, but also as the most merciful and munificent Personality of Godhead. Being endowed with a beautiful golden complexion, Sri Caitanya came to show the world how to glorify and render service unto Lord Krsna. It was recorded in the Srimad-Bhagavatam: 11:5:32 five thousand years ago:
krsna-varnam tvisakrsnam
sangopangastra-parsadam
yajnaih sankirtana-prayair
yajanti hi su-medhasah
"In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Krsna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krsna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions."
It was also recorded in the sixteenth-century Bengali manuscript Caitanya-bhagavata Antya-lila: 4:126:
prthivite ache yata nagaradi grama
sarvatra pracara haibe mora nama
"In every town and village of the world My name will be heard."
Locana dasa Thakura, a great vaisnava saint, predicted in his book Caitanya-mangala that a sena pati, a "commander-in-chief," would come and accomplish this mission. Furthermore, in Nityananda Suryodaya, an article published in a magazine called Sajjana-tosani in the nineteenth century, Bhaktivinoda Thakura predicted that a time would come (not too far in the future) when the chanting of Lord Krsna's name, the maha-mantra, would spread throughout the world. Previous acaryas like Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura also predicted the coming of a great saintly person in the modern age.
Undoubtedly, that person is Srila Prabhupada. It is evident that his life corresponds closely with descriptions given by the previous acaryas. As with most empowered personalities there are special characteristics. Srila Prabhupada's date of birth, 1st September 1896, was indeed highly auspicious. Born Abhay Charan, an astrologer predicted that by the age of seventy he would travel the world and disseminate religion. His horoscope showed that this exalted, renounced teacher would establish 108 temples around the world.
However, the most striking prediction is the one given in the fifteenth-century text Bhagavata Mahatmya, in which the great sage Narada Muni is talking to Bhakti (devotion personified), and Bhakti says to him, idam sthanam parityajya videsam gamyate maya: "I will leave this country (India) and go abroad." The book also states that personified Bhakti would first go to South India and then to Vrndavana, before leaving India to travel to the western world.
Srila Prabhupada's movements seem to parallel this. Furthermore, Srila Prabhupada's departure from India at that time resembles that of the personality Bhakti.
When Abhay Charan (as Srila Prabhupada was then known) met his spiritual master, His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada, a spiritual revolution began that was set to change the world. The year was 1922, and a hesitant Abhay Charan felt reluctant about seeing what turned out to be one of India's foremost Vedic scholars and saintly personalities.
At that time, Abhay Charan had already aligned himself with Mohandas Gandhi's "Quit India" movement, and was of the opinion that religion was not the answer in India's hour of greatest need. India at that time was part of the British Empire, and before religion could be practised, Abhay would argue, "India must be an independent country."
However, his friend Naren Mullik was persistent and persuaded Abhay Charan that His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada was no ordinary person.
In a private conversation on 17th March 1973, Srila Prabhupada said:
So I went to see His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura in 1922 in that Uldanga building, and at that time he was sitting on the roof. There was a small house-room and we were welcome, because they thought Naren Mullik was a very rich man and he had contributed some money. So we went to see [Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura] Prabhupada and offered our obeisances. So immediately he said that "You are all educated men -- why don't you preach Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's message throughout the whole world?" So I replied to him, "Sir, we are a dependent nation; who will hear our message? We can talk these things after we get independence" -- because I was politically minded at that time.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta countered Abhay Charan's protest by saying that Krsna consciousness was not dependent upon Indian politics, or any type of politics for that matter; more important was the message of Krsna consciousness. Furthermore, it was so important that it could not wait.
Abhay Charan was very impressed by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura's urgency and conviction. After listening to his lecture, he realised that sitting before him was a truly saintly and erudite personality. Accepting him as his spiritual master, he took initiation from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura in 1933, in Allahabad.
Abhay Charan's initiated name was Abhay Caranaravinda. Abhay means fearless and caranaravinda means lotus feet. Abhay Caranaravinda took to heart the order of his spiritual master to preach the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu throughout the world.
In 1944 he started publishing a fortnightly magazine in English called Back to Godhead. In 1947 the Vaisnava Society conferred upon him the title of Bhaktivedanta: one who has understood that the end of all knowledge is to engage in devotional service. He was now known as A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. It was not until much later that he became known as Srila Prabhupada.
In 1955 he retired from family life and took up full-time devotional service. In September 1959 he entered into the renounced order known as sannyasa. Between 1962 and 1965, with much dedication and devotion, he meticulously translated the First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam and had it published.
In 1965 he left India and sailed to America. On board, Swamiji, as he was then affectionately known, suffered two heart attacks, but with the help of Lord Sri Krsna he survived. Over the next twelve years, he was to establish more than 108 temples all over the world.
Srila Prabhupada had a worldwide vision for spreading Krsna consciousness and South Africa was part of that vision. It is evident that early on Srila Prabhupada conceived the idea of coming to South Africa, and in a letter to an enthusiastic aspirant interested in Eastern philosophy, dated 3rd July 1971, he wrote:
I am so glad to hear that you would like [to know] if we could open one branch of our International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) there in Cape Town, South Africa. That would be very nice. So if you can arrange for our reception, we may go there immediately, and even I may go on my way back from India and establish one centre. Undoubtedly this movement is very sublime and anyone who takes to it becomes happy.
There are so many spiritual groups; that is all right. But actually their method cannot help us to make real spiritual progress. This Krsna consciousness movement is completely different and sublime at the same time, and very easy to take to also. Anyone who takes to it seriously, their life will become perfect.
Srila Prabhupada dearly wanted Krsna consciousness to reach the shores of South Africa. His aim in creating the movement was to fulfil his spiritual master's vision of spreading Sri Caitanya's message throughout the planet, inundating everyone with love of Godhead. However, unlike America or the countries of Europe, South Africa was difficult to enter. It would not be easy to start preaching there as the country at the time was under a strict regime of apartheid. This policy focused heavily on the bodily concept of life, separating people according to race and colour.
This is completely at odds with the philosophy of Krsna consciousness which propounds that we are not these bodies but spirit souls. Krsna consciousness is transcendental to bodily distinctions perceived in the material world. For the rulers of South Africa, such a concept of the soul would have thrown their discriminatory legislature into disarray.
Srila Prabhupada was well aware of this. However, owing to South Africa's apartheid laws, the Indian government had banned Indian nationals from visiting South Africa and forbidden any kind of trade with that country. In order for Srila Prabhupada to receive permission to visit South Africa, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness first needed to become established there. This book details the events which led to this. In 1965, some 479 years after Sri Caitanya's appearance, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami stepped on board the steamship SS Jaladutta in Calcutta and sailed to America. He was almost seventy, and it was the first time he had ever left the shores of India. His ambitious mission was to fulfil Sri Caitanya's prophecy.
In the next twelve years, Srila Prabhupada circled the earth fourteen times, touring and lecturing as well as giving spiritual instructions to his disciples. He translated over sixty different spiritual texts into English and in turn had them translated into some fifty different languages. His writings are highly respected by the academic community for their authority, depth and clarity. They are used as standard textbooks in many universities and colleges. Srila Prabhupada founded the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, which is now by far the world's largest publisher of books in the field of Indian religion and philosophy.
This book is about the endeavour of those devotees who took up the clarion call of their spiritual master to spread Krsna consciousness -- specifically in South Africa.
The writing of this book is an attempt to give a true account of the pioneering days of ISKCON South Africa. I pray to tell it as it happened, especially for the devotees who struggled so hard in the beginning and whose only shelter was the order of Srila Prabhupada. South Africa was isolated politically, and in being there one felt completely cut off from the mainstream of civilisation.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone mentioned in this book, both those who have moved on to do other things and those who remained in ISKCON, and also all who had a role to play, however small or vital it may have been. I feel deeply that they gave their hearts over to Srila Prabhupada's mission. And in this historical account, it is only fitting that they be given due recognition for their service and dedication, and that they may stand as a shining example for future generations.
Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada- Mission in Service of His Divine Grace-Introduction- Riddha Dasa Adhikari
chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)
Even before the first devotees were to arrive in South Africa, the Hare Krsna chant had already been heard. George Harrison of the Beatles recorded "Hare Krishna Mantra" on the prestigious Apple Records label in 1969. Disciples of Srila Prabhupada chant the Hare Krsna mantra on side one and "Prayers to the Spiritual Master" on the flip side:
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
nama om visnu padaya
krsna-presthaya bhu-tale,
srimate bhaktivedanta
svamin iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve
gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesa-sunyavadi-
pascatya-desa-tarine
The record, quickly climbing the charts, became a huge hit and was distributed all over the world. Despite restrictions in South Africa, the record still managed to enter the country. Although difficult to acquire, it was frequently broadcast on the radio and thus reached a wide audience there. Many people were introduced to Krsna consciousness through listening to the record "Hare Krishna Mantra," and some later played a leading part in ISKCON South Africa. One of them became the first initiated European disciple of Srila Prabhupada in South Africa some years later.
While on the World Sankirtan Party in India during December 1970, Bhaktivedanta Swami and his American and European disciples had caused a sensation in the Indian State of Gujarat. One local newspaper, the Gujarat Samachar, published an article on the arrival of Srila Prabhupada and his devotees in Surat. It reported how western devotees were seen dancing in procession in the streets, while enthusiastic locals gave them garlands and showered them with flower petals.
When the people of Surat learnt that westerners were taking up the vaisnava way of life and giving up those things that were so much a part of European culture, such as illicit sex, meat eating, gambling and intoxication, it caused such a stir that the news spread throughout Gujarat. Some would openly declare, "These foreigners are going to teach us our very own religion."
The devotees said, "No, we haven't come to teach you, just to remind you of what you have forgotten."
Reports of this new phenomenon spread throughout the Indian communities worldwide. Some Hindus were even saying that they had themselves turned from Lord Krsna's teachings, and that these foreigners seemed to have more devotion than they had.
* * *
The fact that Srila Prabhupada desired to visit South Africa was made evident by his comments in a letter in 1970, Srila Prabhupada said:
My Dear Tamala,
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 11th May 1970, and noted the contents.
When you go to London making plans for World sankirtana, you may take into consideration the proposal made by Mr Parekh. He said that from Kenya there is invitation for our group to perform kirtana there. So if we go, a group of at least twenty-five, they have already agreed to pay for return journey and accommodation there. So on your way to India you can perform kirtana in some important cities of Europe, and then go to Africa, Kenya. From Kenya you may go to South Africa.
Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada- Mission in Service of His Divine Grace-The Pioneering Days- Riddha Dasa Adhikari
chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)
Long before any ISKCON devotees arrived in South Africa, an Afrikaner, Mr Andre de Wet from Cape Town, had been corresponding enthusiastically with devotees in London in an attempt to obtain Apple Records' latest release, the Govinda album. He also wanted a copy of Bhagavad Gita As It Is and any other books published by Srila Prabhupada. Mr de Wet was in contact with many students and ran a yoga drop-in centre for eastern philosophy. He wrote numerous letters in 1971 urging the devotees to come to South Africa. At one point Srila Prabhupada wrote requesting him to arrange facilities for his arrival. Unfortunately, Mr de Wet did not take up this request, although he was later to meet the first of Srila Prabhupada's disciples that arrived in South Africa in 1972.
* * *
In 1970 a young, aspiring devotee, Kevin Spencer (later Ksudhi dasa), from a Los Angeles high school, came in contact with an ISKCON temple. From then on he began the spiritual path, giving up old and bad habits and taking up new ways that were conducive to spiritual development. Once, as Srila Prabhupada was leaving the temple in Los Angeles and getting into a car, the devotees gathered on the pavement offering obeisances to him, and even though there was no room (the entire pavement was taken up by so many devotees) Kevin was also determined to pay his respects. Rather than stand by and look on, in great humility he bowed down beside the gutter. Observing the sincerity of this seventeen-year-old boy, Srila Prabhupada got out of the car and laid his hand on Kevin's bowed head, blessing him with divine mercy.
Srila Prabhupada was also to give his blessings to Ksudhi dasa in a letter sent to several senior disciples on 15th August 1971. It appeared that he was about to bestow all blessings of the disciplic succession. The letter reads as follows, Srila Prabhupada said:
My Dear Mahamsa, Ksudhi, Rsi Kumar, Nanda Kumar, Tusta Krsna, Krsna Tulasi, Gurukrpa, Madhudvisa Swami, etc.,
Please accept my blessings. I beg to thank you very much for your kind feelings of appreciation of my humble self and service unto you. You are all helping me in pushing forward this mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu coming down by disciplic succession to my Guru Maharaja. So whatever you have spoken, it is simply due to them. I am simply the via medium to receive them on behalf of my Guru Maharaja, His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja Prabhupada.
Hoping this will meet you all in good health.
Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada- Mission in Service of His Divine Grace-The Pioneering Days- Riddha Dasa Adhikari
chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)
By March 1972, Rsi Kumara Swami and Ksudhi dasa Brahmacari were starting to make preparations to leave India for South Africa.
It was about this time that I joined the ISKCON temple in Vancouver, Canada. I was 22 years of age. Not long after, I was informed by one of the devotees that a very important and senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada, His Holiness Pusta Krsna Swami, was coming to visit the temple. He had recently received sannyasa initiation from Srila Prabhupada in Mexico City. Pusta Krsna later recounted:
After leaving Mexico City, I flew with Srila Prabhupada to Puerto Vallarta, where we stayed for a short time while Srila Prabhupada translated and enjoyed the climate and the natural beauty of the environment before flying to Los Angeles. That occasion brought about a meeting with Bahudaka, the then president of the ISKCON Vancouver temple.
He generously offered me the use of a van, books and the services of several brahmacaris for the travelling sankirtana in the summer. When I was in Vancouver I met Roger, who was later to become Riddha. He has a very vivid memory of that meeting. He describes how we spoke then of South African preaching. When I said that one day the two of us might go to South Africa and preach Krsna consciousness, I had no idea that Krsna would actually arrange such an opportunity for this dream to manifest. Through the agency of Srila Prabhupada that is precisely what did occur.
The temple was buzzing with excitement in anticipation of Pusta Krsna Swami's arrival. Like the other devotees, I was quite eager to meet the new swami. When I saw him, he was literally glowing with the mercy of Srila Prabhupada. Although it was the first time we had seen each other, there was a certain affinity between us as if I had already known him.
He asked me where I was from and I replied, "I was born in Berea, a suburb of Durban, in a place called ‘Krishna Court.'" We laughed at this remarkable coincidence. I also told him about my mother, who had just recently learnt that I had become a Hare Krsna monk. Instead of going into hysterics, like many parents of devotees do, she wondered if my birth in Krishna Court had something to do with my taking up Krsna consciousness. Calling me by my uninitiated name, Pusta Krsna Swami said, "One day, Roger, we will go to South Africa." It was a remark I took to heart.
I asked Pusta Krsna Swami to tell me about his coming to Krsna consciousness and he responded:
I joined the Krsna consciousness movement in October 1970. I left college as a premedical student in my last quarter and travelled with Gargamuni Maharaja, the person who brought me to Krsna consciousness. We left immediately and assisted the preaching in Dacca, East Pakistan, in March 1971. The Bangladesh war broke out while we were in Dacca, and finally we arrived in Bombay in April 1971.
I met Srila Prabhupada face to face for the first time. At that meeting I offered my dandavats to Srila Prabhupada and he was very pleased. He knew that Gargamuni Maharaja and I had genuinely risked our lives to preach Krsna consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada asked me what I liked best about Krsna consciousness and I replied, "the Bhagavad Gita." Srila Prabhupada said, "That is very good." After I left the room and Srila Prabhupada was alone with Gargamuni Swami, he referred to me and Srila Prabhupada said, "I will make that boy a sannyasi!" (This was reported to me later on.)
I took diksa several weeks later and Srila Prabhupada personally performed the fire sacrifice. He gave me the name "Pusta Krsna," which means "one who gets strength from Krsna."
I had the opportunity to spend many months in Vrndavana at a small place given to Srila Prabhupada in Brahma Ghata. There, Subal Maharaja and I lived very austerely and relished the locations of Krsna's pastimes and accounts of His associates. We also visited places associated with Mahaprabhu's lila and the gosvamis of Vrndavana. We often wandered along the banks of the Yamuna River away from the town of Vrndavana, chanting the holy names and becoming absorbed in the mood of Vraja.
After leaving India through illness in August 1971, I vividly recall being confined in a hospital in London with jaundice, when my godbrother, Tribhuvanatha prabhu, came to see me out of his kindness and compassion. On my release I received instructions from Srila Prabhupada before returning to the United States. I had been at college before joining and consequently I wanted to preach Krsna consciousness at the universities. Srila Prabhupada gave me his blessings.
In the Autumn of 1971 I returned to Gainesville, Florida, where I had been the first devotee to join. I stayed at the temple for several months regaining my strength. The temple was managed by my old friend Amarendra and his wife Gayatri.
I then went alone to Tampa, to the University of South Florida, and began preaching. I remained there until Bhagavata dasa came with the "Road Show." It was organised by Kirtanananda Swami and Visnujana Swami. The Road Show included 35 devotees. They and Their Lordships, Sri Sri Radha-Damodara, stayed at the Tampa temple for a number of months. The devotees planned and performed their activities throughout the winter of 1971 to 72.
After their departure, I carried on doing sankirtana for several months with a handful of sincere devotees. Then I received a call from Hrdayananda dasa, who was the then temple president in Houston, Texas. He asked me to come to Houston to take over as temple president there. I agreed, and some of the other devotees went to the Miami temple.
In Houston I too was called by Krsna to come forward and take sannyasa from Srila Prabhupada. It was early May 1972, and I had not yet taken second initiation. I simply wanted to preach Krsna consciousness and Srila Prabhupada had remembered me with affection. He gave me sacred thread (second) initiation in May 1972, in Los Angeles, and requested that I come to Mexico City in early June to take sannyasa. I did so, being then 22 years old and eager to preach Krsna consciousness around the world.
chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)
It was to be almost three years before I would see Pusta Krsna Swami again. We met in March 1975 at the Mayapura festival in India. The Mayapura festival had just become an annual event, where devotees from all over the world gathered at the birthplace of Lord Caitanya. I had been distributing large numbers of Srila Prabhupada's books throughout North America on behalf of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Airport Sankirtan Party.
Although I was very successful in this during those three years, I still felt that something was not quite right. I was neglecting a certain aspect of my spiritual life and felt a strong need for change. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to accompany the BBT Airport Sankirtan Party when it left New York for India. It was the first time the devotees had gone in such large numbers and I felt that this was the right thing for me to do. I could rejuvenate my spiritual life by visiting the holy places and at the same time have the association of my spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
While at the Mayapura festival I happened to meet Bhagavata dasa Brahmacari, assistant to Brahmananda Swami, who had been assigned to oversee ISKCON's development on the African continent. Bhagavata learned of my success in distributing books in North America and, since I was originally from South Africa, he believed I could be of real service to the South African temple. With this in mind he had contacted Pusta Krsna Swami, who was to become the main person in charge of the temple in South Africa.
Bhagavata dasa immediately took me to see Pusta Krsna Swami, who had an exhibition stand of photographs promoting ISKCON activities in South Africa. The promotion showed that it was a fertile preaching ground. However, he did not want to send just anyone there owing to the sensitive political nature. Although Pusta Krsna Swami had been looking for someone to assist him in spreading the movement in South Africa, he had not found a suitable candidate. Because I was born in South Africa, I could return there unhindered. He also knew that my ability to distribute vast amounts of Srila Prabhupada's books was an asset to the movement. He then kindly offered me the opportunity to accompany him to South Africa.
* * *
This trip could not have come at a better time. Sri Caitanya had not only given me a new opportunity for service to Srila Prabhupada, but was also fulfilling the words of Pusta Krsna Swami, who three years earlier had spoken of my going to South Africa with him. Those prophetic words spoken at our first meeting finally came to fruition. It appeared that Lord Krsna had planned this and that I was destined to return to the land of my birth, having left with my parents when I was only a child of four.
Now I had the opportunity to return, not as an embittered person, but as one who was to bring renewed hope and realisation for the future of South Africa. I would be distributing my spiritual master's books together with as Srila Prabhupada said the message of love of God.
chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)
During January 1972 in Bombay, India, Rsi Kumara Swami, who had recently accepted sannyasa, asked whether it was a good idea to open a temple in South Africa. Srila Prabhupada replied, "Yes, there is good potential in South Africa."
It was then decided that Rsi Kumara Swami and Ksudhi dasa Brahmacari would be the first ISKCON devotees to travel and preach in South Africa to help establish Sri Caitanya's movement. Because of certain complications it was another two months before they left for South Africa.
On 1st March 1972 -- the Appearance Day of Sri Caitanya -- in the holy place, Sri Dhama Mayapura (West Bengal), Srila Prabhupada laid the cornerstone of the Mayapura building. Ksudhi clearly remembers:
The day after Gaura Purnima, 2nd March 1972, I went into Srila Prabhupada's room, which was just a grass hut. Srila Prabhupada was sitting down with his back towards Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's birthplace. Several of Srila Prabhupada's Godbrothers and devotees were in the room.
I offered my obeisances to him and said, "Srila Prabhupada, I am going to Africa now. I hope this gives me the opportunity to increase my services for you."
Srila Prabhupada put his hands behind his head and, while swaying back and forth, Srila Prabhupada said, "Service to Lord Caitanya! Service to Lord Caitanya! Service to Lord Caitanya!"
Now I felt rightly situated in my constitutional position by Srila Prabhupada's special mercy. I felt fully committed to this mission of bringing Krsna consciousness to South Africa. I felt no worries, no fears or anxieties.
For the journey Ksudhi managed to obtain some money from his mother; it was added to the small sum that he and Rsi Kumara Swami already possessed. Although they had no formal plan and no contacts in South Africa, the two devotees left India to carry out their spiritual master's orders. At the time Ksudhi was suffering from jaundice -- an incredibly painful illness. Therefore, instead of going straight to Africa, they went to Switzerland and stayed there until Ksudhi recovered. A few weeks later he was well enough to travel and they boarded a plane for Kenya.
While in Nairobi they were introduced to some people -- mainly Hindus -- who were favourable to their cause. One of them, Mr Damji Devji Pattni, well known in Nairobi and South Africa among the Gujaratis, was a very religious man. An admirer of Srila Prabhupada, he was one of the first to bathe his feet. This took place when Srila Prabhupada visited Mr Damji Devji's home in Nairobi, in September 1971.
That humble gesture, which is an ancient Vedic tradition, is a heartfelt expression of loving devotion by the bhakta at the feet of the sadhu, the saintly person. This tradition was honoured by Prabhupada disciples thereafter.
Mr Damji Devji gave the devotees letters of introduction to his friends and family members in South Africa, requesting help and support to establish Krsna consciousness there.
The letters of introduction were a step forward, but when Rsi Kumara Swami and Ksudhi dasa first applied for South African visas a difficulty arose. Although the application was sent directly to the Department of the Interior in Pretoria, it was refused. This was a cause of great concern to them -- after all, no visa meant no mission. There were no diplomatic relations between Kenya and South Africa at the time, so they were advised to send their applications to the South African visa office in London.
The applications were successful. In addition, devotees of the Radha-Krsna temple in London sent details of a South African, Mr Andre de Wet from Cape Town, whom they had contacted. Actually, Rsi Kumara wrote him several letters from Nairobi requesting assistance, but received no reply.
Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-Mission in Service of His Divine Grace-The Beginning- Riddha Dasa Adhikari